Platanthera purpurascens (Rydb.) Sheviak & W.F.Jenn.
Purple Petal Bog Orchid
Facts About
Accepted Synonyms: Habenaria purpurascens, Limnorchis purpurascens, Platanthera hyperborea var. purpurascens
Platanthera purpurascens, the Purple Petal Bog Orchid, is concentrated in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado and New Mexico, with populations in adjacent states. The common name refers to the purple or reddish highlights often seen on the deep green flowers whose strong, musty smell distinguishes this orchid from the spicy aroma of P. dilatata. The blunt leaves diverge widely from the stem and are a reliable character that aids in identification. This orchid grows in wet areas and shows a wide tolerance of habitats, including seeps, meadows and stream banks.
The conservation status for Platanthera purpurascens has not been reported, but this orchid is widely distributed and grows in diverse habitats.
Ecosystem Type
Disturbed habitats, fens, seeps, shrublands or thickets, stream bank
Characteristics
- Habitat:
- terrestrial
- Leaf arrangement:
-
- alternate
- stem
- Number of leaves on stem:
-
- three
- four
- five
- six
- Form of the labellum:
- the labellum is not pouch-like
- Labellum outline:
- the labellum is simple
- Main color of labellum:
- green to brown
- Nectar spur:
- present
- Labellum characteristics:
-
- the labellum has a spur
- the labellum is simple
- Labellum length:
- 4–8 mm
- Sepal length:
- 4–5 mm
- Plant height:
- 24–80 cm
Native to North America
Yes
North American Conservation Status & Distribution
Conservation Status
| Conservation and Wetland Status | |
|---|---|
| Global Rank | N/A |
| US Status | N/A |
| Canadian Status | N/A |